London to Edinburgh

[AlterEgo]

Would the sleeper be worthwhile as a scenic route if my body clock was set to wake up at 4am (say because I have just flown in from Asia) and I took it in June when nights are at their shortest?

I wouldn't do it. You'd be knackered.

 

[Ukvisitor77]

Is the London-Glasgow route just as scenic or more scenic than the London-Edinburgh route?

 

[AlterEgo]

Is the London-Glasgow route just as scenic or more scenic than the London-Edinburgh route?

In most people's view, more scenic. But both are very pleasant. The main highlight of the West Coast route is the Lake District between Oxenholme and Carlisle.

For the majority of both routes the scenery is fairly dull, just regular British countryside.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Though for a tourist, the typically British green, rolling hills and countryside of the WCML might well be pleasant - the ECML is more flatlands reminiscent of the Netherlands.


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[LexyBoy]

They're both nice, and I'd second LNW-GW Joint's suggestion of using the flexibility of the Super Off Peak tickets to take a trip on both. This ticket allows break of journey, so you could explore one of the places you'll pass - York perhaps.

The East Coast line is more rural, but for the first couple of hours from London it's flat and unremarkable. The West Coast line travels through more populous land in the south, but you get great views of the Lakes and the hills south of Glasgow. Despite the name you won't see the sea for long on either route! The trains are IMO nicer on the East Coast line - the Pendolinos on the West Coast are a bit cramped and the windows small - but either are perfectly nice for the trip. Reservations are definitely advised as these trains are busy most of the time - bear in mind that you're not tied to that train if you get a reservation with a (Super) Off Peak ticket.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Is the London-Glasgow route just as scenic or more scenic than the London-Edinburgh route?

They're probably about the same, but worth seeing both.

The WCML is attractive north of Lancaster, with a (brief) sea view at Hest Bank and then up through the Lune Gorge and over Shap. It's then pretty interesting again over Beattock Bank, before getting dull into Glasgow.

The ECML is flat as a pancake as far as Darlington, although you do get a good view of the distant hills of the North Yorkshire Moors after York. The approach to Newcastle over the high bridges is interesting, and then the sea views between Alnmouth and Burnmouth (north of Berwick) are gorgeous.

If you have a flexible ticket go out on one route and go back on the other. A train from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street is about 45 minutes: it is much quicker than going to Central.

 

[Ukvisitor77]

Thank You

Do I understand this correctly? Anything departing from/arriving at Euston is the West Coast Line and Kings Cross is the East Coast Line

 

[91103eastcoast]

Thank You

Do I understand this correctly? Anything departing from/arriving at Euston is the West Coast Line and Kings Cross is the East Coast Line

Yes, Kings Cross is East Coast and Euston is West Coast.

 

[Ukvisitor77]

thanks
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
London Euston to Edinburgh
Coach: J
Seat: 09 - Table, Seat with a view, Aisle
Seat: 12 - Table, Seat with a view, Aisle

I am assuming these are not together?

 

[47271]

https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/experience/our-trains

You can look up the plan. They face each other in the aisle around a table of four. Coach J is always the most heavily reserved coach in First Class on VTWC.

If you've booked on First and fancy something else, get on the train and head straight for Coach G, which is usually unreserved. I do it all the time, check that the seats that you want are available on the digital displays and sit yourselves down.

 

[Ukvisitor77]

I booked the London Euston to Edinburgh Waverly as first class advance for £103.00 for two (with railcard discount), getting seats 12 and 15 in Coach H.

Is this the correct side to sit to get the best views?
What route should I book from Edinburgh/Glasgow back to London to get the other coast view?

Thanks You

 

[47271]

Good choice, that's where I'd go. Per the plan, H12 and H15 in a Pendolino will put you on the east side of the train in two single seats facing one another, perfect, and the scenery is as good on either side. It's the Quiet Coach, but that's okay so long as you don't want to make phone calls. You've still got the option of moving to G if that suits you better.

If you're returning via the East Coast, keep on the east for the scenery north of Newcastle. If you can get at the seat selector on virgintrainseastcoast.com my favourites on the electrics in First are L27 and L29 on that side, singles across a table but mid coach with an extra wide aisle.

https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/rail-travel/your-journey/seating/

If you're not sure before booking tell us your departure time from Edinburgh and we'll confirm the train type. The HSTs are a 40 year old design classic knocked about a bit, I much prefer the newer electric trains myself.

 

[Haywain]

The ECML is flat as a pancake as far as Darlington, although you do get a good view of the distant hills of the North Yorkshire Moors after York. The approach to Newcastle over the high bridges is interesting, and then the sea views between Alnmouth and Burnmouth (north of Berwick) are gorgeous.

I think that the views of the cathedrals at Peterborough, York and Durham, plus the Angel of the North and the Tyne bridges at Newcastle are also worth mentioning, and the sort of features the West Coast lacks. And, happily, all these great views are on the same side of the train!

 

[jfollows]

It's the Quiet Coach.

Not any more, the only "quiet coach" is coach A.
To amplify the comment, the "quiet" coach designation was removed from all coach H (First Class) on all sets when the nine-car units had coach G converted to Standard Class from First Class. A year or more ago.

 

[47271]

Not any more, the only "quiet coach" is coach A.
To amplify the comment, the "quiet" coach designation was removed from all coach H (First Class) on all sets when the nine-car units had coach G converted to Standard Class from First Class. A year or more ago.

The last time I was on a Euston to Glasgow 11 coach a couple of weeks ago I'm sure H was still marked up as Quiet. Maybe not.

Anyway, it doesn't look like it'll bother the OP one way or another.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I booked the London Euston to Edinburgh Waverly as first class advance for £103.00 for two (with railcard discount), getting seats 12 and 15 in Coach H.
Is this the correct side to sit to get the best views?
What route should I book from Edinburgh/Glasgow back to London to get the other coast view?
Thanks You

I presume you have booked an xx43 service from Euston to Edinburgh?
You will get free refreshments at your seat in 1st class.
The service runs via Birmingham so there will be an urban interlude while you travel through Coventry, Birmingham (tunnels) and Wolverhampton.
The scenery improves again as you go north, especially after Preston.
You are on the east side of the train, which is fine, but try the west side for a few minutes north of Oxenholme for a fine view across to the Lakeland mountains.
You can swap seats for a bit without problems.
The route is highly curved in places, which is why tilting trains are used on this route.

For the East Coast route back to London, you need to book a train travelling via York.
Best views also on the east side down to York, after which it is pretty flat.

 

[30907]

I presume you have booked an xx43 service from Euston to Edinburgh?
but try the west side for a few minutes north of Oxenholme for a fine view across to the Lakeland mountains.

And shortly after leaving Lancaster for the view across Morecambe Bay.